If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a warm hug, look no further than Comforting Stuffed Manicotti with Easy Meat Sauce. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese and hearty ground beef, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this meal both satisfying and inviting. It’s perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something delicious.
Picture the golden cheesy top bubbling in the oven and the vibrant colors of fresh herbs peeking through—this dish is as beautiful to serve as it is tasty to eat. Prepare to indulge in layers of flavor that dance around your palate. In this article, you’ll find all the details you need to create this delightful meal, including cooking times, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to guide you every step of the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Featuring quality meats, cheeses, and herbs.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it great for cooks of all skill levels.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and vitamins while still being comforting.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
- Presentation: Visually stunning with layers of cheese and sauce.
This stuffed manicotti will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 1 hour
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 manicotti shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the Manicotti: Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or pastry bag.
- Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed manicotti shells on top, then cover with remaining sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and add additional Parmesan, if desired.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve hot from the oven in the baking dish for a family-style meal.
- Accompaniments: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for balance.
- Portions: This recipe feeds four to six people, making it great for sharing.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
Your table will look fantastic and everyone will love it!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Customization: Consider using chicken or turkey for a lighter twist.
- Serving Suggestions: For added texture, serve with crispy garlic bread on the side.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach and Ricotta: Mix in fresh spinach with ricotta for a veggie boost.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free manicotti shells if needed.
- Vegan Style: Replace meat with lentils and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a plant-based dish.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze unbaked manicotti in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Special Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or pastry bag
- Aluminum foil
- Knife (for chopping)
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen ingredients? Absolutely! You can use frozen ground meat and spinach; just thaw them before cooking.
- Is this dish healthy? Yes, it has protein from meat and cheese while packing in flavors.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Definitely! You can assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready.
- Can I customize the filling? Yes! Feel free to add veggies or swap the cheese to suit your taste.
- Are there alternative cooking methods? Yes! You can also cook it in a pressure cooker for a quicker version.
Conclusion
In just one dish, you get a warm, hearty meal filled with flavor and comfort. This stuffed manicotti is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings with friends. It’s easy to make and visually stunning—ideal for impressing your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and let the aroma fill your kitchen; you’ll be glad you did!
Stuffed Manicotti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or pastry bag.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed manicotti shells on top, then cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and add additional Parmesan, if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Did you make this recipe?
Share a photo and tag us, we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!